by Many MCU characters made appearances in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, however Daniel Kaluuya’s absence as a crucial Wakandan was noticeable. New concept art has now given us a closer look at Kaluuya’s W’Kabi’s abandoned look.
Kaluuya revealed he wouldn’t be back in Black Panther 2 before its debut last year, citing schedule issues. The actor who played Nope said he is at peace with his decision to go and added, “It’s what’s best for the story, what’s best for the film.”
W’Kabi is “essentially exiled,” according to Black Panther 2 director Ryan Coogler. The sequel addresses his disappearance with “one line that refers to him still being alive.”
But now, viewers have a glimpse of what may have been.
Daniel Kaluuya’s cancelled role is revealed in Black Panther 2
What Daniel Kaluuya might have looked like as W’Kabi in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was unveiled by Marvel concept artist Niek Schlosser.
The graphic designer pondered his abandoned Kaluuya MCU character design, but he came to terms with it by praising Jordan Peele’s Nope as a “great film”:
“Redesign of Wkabi’s costume made for Wakanda Forever, sadly never made it in, but Nope was a great film.”
The shoulder pauldron from the previous film was incorporated into W’Kabi’s new outfit by Schlosser, who also changed the armour plating on his arm.
W’Kabi is in exile, as Queen Ramonda stated in Wakanda Forever, and she invited Okoye to go see him if she so desired. This came during her fervent speech following the loss of Shuri and the removal of Okoye’s position as head of the Dora Milaje:
In Black Panther 3, will Daniel Kaluuya make a comeback?
Niek Schlosser’s abandoned design for Daniel Kaluuya’s W’Kabi proved that even if he is banished from Wakanda, his costume would have remained the same. Despite this, it’s probable that W’Kabi lost the strength of the vibranium-based capes used by the Border tribe.
There is still more to the narrative, albeit it is uncertain if Marvel Studios will reveal there will be a Black Panther 3. Although it is unclear whether W’Kabi will continue to appear in Black Panther films, the threequel may make use of his desire for vengeance as a noteworthy plot device.
Additionally, a number of Black Panther Disney+ spin-offs that are in production would open the door for W’Kabi’s comeback. Due to the fact that one of those projects will centre on Danai Gurira’s Okoye, Kaluuya’s exiled Wakandan may reappear, possibly as one of its antagonists.
On Wednesday, February 1, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will make its Disney+ debut.
